Program brings free health care to Alabama Black Belt

HAYNEVILLE, Ala. (AP) — Low-income residents of three areas in Alabama's economically depressed Black Belt region will receive free medical care, dental exams and vision screenings over the next two weeks thanks to military reservists and National Guard members from across the country.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, military officials and local government representatives kicked off the exercise named "Alabama Black Belt 2012" Monday in a news conference at city hall in rural Hayneville. The care is also being provided in Demopolis and Selma.

The Delta Regional Authority is bringing the military medical personnel. Authority co-chairman Chris Masingill said the purpose is to provide quality training for soldiers and medical care to poor communities. He said about 250 military medical personnel would provide health, dental and vision screenings for about 5,000 people in the three towns.

Bentley, a retired dermatologist, said the health screenings would help improve the health and the quality of life in the Black Belt towns.

Bentley said he hopes the health screenings will help him reach his goal of seeing Alabama get healthier while he is governor.

"I'm tired of Alabama having one of the highest infant mortality rates in the nation and being one of the most obese states," the governor said.

Hayneville Mayor Helenor Bell said the care is needed in the small town where many residents don't have medical insurance.

"There are so many people here who do not have health care insurance," Bell said.

Selma Mayor George Evans said there is also a great need for the health exams in his Dallas County city.

"It's a tremendous asset for us. I just hope they keep coming," Evans said. "There are so many people out there who are not able to buy health coverage at all."